S) "9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name;
And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake."
Psalm 79:9 (NASB)
O) This Psalm comes as a lament over the invasion and destruction that came to Jerusalem. Asaph cries out to the LORD, here, and appeals to Him for the sake of God's own name. Like I wrote yesterday (about Jeremiah 33:2), God has a name. He is alive, specific, and holy. He is separate from every other claimed god, and people throughout history have recognized Him through His relationship to His people, who bear His name. The point of this verse, in particular, is that the salvation of the LORD benefits the saved, but is ultimately for His glory and renown.
A) By claiming to be a Christian, I am taking upon myself the name of my God in Jesus Christ. As such, my salvation - with everything that means in my life - should glorify Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. If people look at my life, and cannot see anything different in me, how does that reflect on my the Lord I claim, in Christ? No, the difference in my life should be easy to see. Through trials, I should boast in Him (see 1 Peter 1:6-9). Through victories, I should humble myself before Him (see James 4:10). I should put myself last, in order to be first, being a servant to all (see Mark 9:35), and I should be wary when many start speaking well of me (see Luke 6:26). I should fear no penalty of man (see Matthew 10:28), no danger in creation (see Mark 16:17-18). Through it all, there should be joy upon me, easily seen (see 1 Peter 3:15). These are some of the fundamental ways that people should see the salvation of the LORD upon me, to recognize the gospel effect on my life. My salvation is not for the end result of my own relief, ease, or peace, but to glorify Jesus Christ.
P) Father God, to You belongs the glory. In every way, let my life bring glory and praise to Your name alone, LORD. Be gracious to me, that through me, despite my failings, Your gospel may be seen through my life. Thank You for the salvation given to me, for what it means to me, but thank You also for using my salvation to reach others. If my life may be used for Your glory, let it be so. Let Your sovereign will be done in my life, with my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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